SUMMARY:
🥾 22 km | Point-to-point route | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 160 m | 6–7 hours
📍 Start: Erith Station at 9:00 AM | 🚆 Direct train from London
🏁 Finish: Petts Wood (approx. 16:00–17:00)
🌿 Terrain: Riverside paths, marshlands, parklands, woodlands
📈 Grade: Moderate | Suitable for walkers with good fitness
ABOUT:
Join us for the kickoff of the London Loop Summer Hike Series, a 12-weekend challenge to complete the full 150-mile circuit around Greater London. This weekend’s route connects Erith to Petts Wood, covering two official London Loop sections.
Expect riverside trails, historic gardens, shaded woodlands, and scenic village stops. We’ll follow the River Thames, River Cray, and pass landmarks like Hall Place Gardens, Footscray Meadows, and Scadbury Park Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful and varied stretch of the Loop with a mix of open spaces and hidden green corridors.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
We begin at Erith Station, heading into Riverside Gardens and across Crayford Marshes, before reaching the River Darent and following it inland.
The trail continues beside the River Cray, passing Waterside Gardens and Hall Place (Tudor-era estate and gardens).
At Old Bexley, we’ll take a short break for refreshments.
The second half of the route winds through Footscray Meadows, Scadbury Park, and Jubilee Country Park,** finishing in Petts Wood**, a quiet suburb with good transport links back to central London.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Wild marshes and riverside trails
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Historic sites like Hall Place and Old Bexley
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Diverse terrain: parks, woodlands, and village greens
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First step in completing the full London Loop challenge
TRAINS:
- Outbound: Direct trains from London Bridge to Erith (35 mins)
Re
- Return: Petts Wood to London Charing Cross (30 mins)
MEETING POINT & TIME:
• Meet: 08:45 AM, Meet outside Pret A Manger at the Tooley Street entrance of London Bridge Station (opposite London Bridge Hospital)
• Departing: 09:00 sharp
DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY:
• Total distance: ~22 km (14 miles)
• Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 160 m
• Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, with some uneven woodland paths
• Time: 6–7 hours including breaks
• Pace: Moderate (3–4 km/h)
• Grade: Moderate (length and varied terrain)
WHAT TO BRING:
• Water (at least 1.5 litres)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Optional: walking poles, sun protection
SAFETY:
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Please take extra care on muddy or uneven paths.
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Be mindful of cyclists, dog walkers, and livestock in parks.
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Wear footwear suitable for mixed terrain.
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You are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.
NOTES:
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This is a community-organised walk led by volunteers.
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Everyone is welcome — come solo or with friends.
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We hike together but you’re free to go at your own pace.
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There are toilets and cafés available at Old Bexley (midpoint).
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Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead.
DISCLAIMER:
This is a non-commercial, volunteer-led group walk. Organisers are not certified guides or first aiders. Participation is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. By joining, you acknowledge that outdoor activities carry inherent risks and agree to take full responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing.
